Updates to restricted and prohibited ingredients in cosmetic products
As new safety data emerges, restrictions and prohibitions can be placed on the use of certain ingredients in cosmetics. It is important that manufacturers, importers, distributors and responsible persons of cosmetics keep up-to-date with legal changes relating to ingredients used in cosmetic products.
Checking ingredients that are currently restricted or prohibited
Cosmetic economic operators are responsible for ensuring that cosmetic products do not contain prohibited ingredients and that any restricted ingredients comply with the conditions of use set out in the applicable legislation. It is the responsibility of operators to verify this by checking the current legal requirements including the consolidated text of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (Annexes II–VI), relevant amendments published in the Official Journal of the European Union, and scientific opinions from the SCCS.
Cosmetic Regulation annexes and amendments
European Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 contains Annexes that include lists of substances either prohibited or restricted in cosmetic products.
- Annex II: substances prohibited from cosmetic products;
- Annex III: substances only permitted in cosmetic products if they meet the restrictions and conditions stated;
- Annex IV: substances permitted as colourants in cosmetic products;
- Annex V: substances permitted as preservatives in cosmetic products;
- Annex VI: substances permitted as UV filters in cosmetic products.
The annexes are regularly updated by the publication of amendments to Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009.
Manufacturers, responsible persons (RPs), importers and distributors should refer to the amendments to find out if a change to the list affects a cosmetic product on the EEA market.
You can view the amendments on the Cosmetics Legislation webpage of the European Commission website.
Using CosIng (Cosmetic Ingredient Database)
CosIng (Cosmetic Ingredient Database) is the European Commission online database that provides information about cosmetic ingredients contained in the cosmetic product legislation.
The CosIng database is useful for consumers, distributors, manufacturers, importers and RPs searching for more information about cosmetic ingredients. It provides easy access to regulatory information about ingredients listed in annexes II - VI to Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 on cosmetic products.
However, CosIng is not considered 100% accurate. The listing of an ingredient in the CosIng database does not mean it has been accepted or approved for use in a cosmetic product. You should always cross-check the information against the regulations.
If an ingredient is assigned with an INCI name and appears in the inventory section of the CosIng database, it does not always mean it can be used in a cosmetic product or that it is approved for such use. Suitably qualified safety assessors must ensure that all ingredients used in a product are in line with the annexes of the legislation as amended.
Staying up to date with changes to cosmetic ingredients
It is important to stay informed of developments at the European regulatory level and to prepare for upcoming additions to the list of restricted and prohibited ingredients.
Staying informed of European regulatory developments
Cosmetic economic operators, including manufacturers, distributors, and responsible persons, are required to stay informed of EU regulatory developments and ensure full compliance with current legislation.
Operators must keep up to date with amendments to both the Cosmetics Regulation and the CLP Regulation to ensure the continued safety and compliance of cosmetic products placed on the European market.
We also recommend monitoring substances currently under review by the SCCS, as t, as these may be added to Annexes II–VI in future, depending on the outcomes of ongoing safety assessments.
Register for the email HPRA alerting service
In addition to monitoring European regulatory developments, you may wish to sign up for HPRA alerts to receive supplementary updates or reminders. The HPRA will issue notifications to subscribers about legal changes to cosmetic ingredients, but operators should continue to monitor all relevant regulatory sources to stay fully informed.
Anyone can register for the HPRA's alerting service by following these steps:
- Go to My Alerts.
- On the Preferences page, select 'Industry' as your audience group.
- Under News, select 'Cosmetics' in the 'Regulatory news' section.
- Check your email and click the verification link to start receiving updates.
If you previously signed up to receive HPRA alerts, go to Manage my alerts to ensure you have selected the correct preferences.